Re: Kilns

Micheal: I too am from the mindset that photography should not be
singled out. Unfortunately, even in todays public school systems,
Photography is usually with Journalism. It is more common to see
Photography classes offered within Art departments in private
schools.One main reason why public schools don't have darkrooms and
photography classesis due to budget constrants as well as space
allotment. It is always fortunate when a Journalism teacher and Art
Teacher can work together with students wanting to concentrate more time
in working with photo as an Art form. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to
happen that often. I'm mainly referring to high school Art Programs.

I agree with you, Micheal, there are many advantages, for all
individuals interested in Visual Arts, to take fundamental courses,
especially Drawing...no matter what direction they may be developing
their creative energy.
I do find it disappointing that individuals in positions, such as Chair
of an Art Department, teaching Photography,(in the 1990's) would want to
separate this area away from the Fine Arts/Studio Arts portion of the
Art Department.This is a person who wanted to change the degree
requirement for Photo majors. Her changes included removing the
requirement that Photo majors would be required to take Drawing.
Needless to say, the Studio Arts faculty members found many faults with
her suggested curriculum changes.This is at state university.Luckily,
all state university Art Departments are not like this one.
Fortunately, there are art programs, at Professional Art Colleges such
as Rhode Island School of Design, The School of the Art Institute of
Chicago, Kansas City Art Institute, etc..In their programs they do not
separate Photography. All students take fundamental courses before
advancing to other courses-no matter what their major or area of
concentration is.
It's unfortunately, there is the mindset regarding photogragphy as
separate from Fine Arts. This is many times a complaint heard from clay
artists as well.